Winter Check-In: Common Plumbing Problems To Identify
Winter weather can put a lot of stress on your home’s plumbing system. Freezing temperatures, increased water usage, and hidden vulnerabilities can quickly turn minor plumbing issues into costly emergencies. Understanding vulnerabilities and identifying their warning signs can help you protect your drains, water heaters, sump pumps and pipes from failure.
Pipes and Drains
Pipes expand when they freeze, putting excess pressure on the system and opening the door to cracks and bursts. Similar issues can happen in drains, which are also vulnerable to clogs due to frozen grease and food waste. Basement, garage and exterior wall pipes can be especially vulnerable to freezing if left unprotected. It seems counterintuitive, but pipes will actually burst during the thawing process due to the sudden release of pressure, which is why it’s so important to identify frozen pipes before they thaw. Even a small leak can raise water bills and cause lasting damage.
How do you identify and prevent frozen pipes and drains? Pay close attention to the water pressure of faucets; a sudden dip in water pressure during cold temperatures can be an indicator of frozen pipes. Try to also keep an ear out for strange gurgling or other odd sounds coming from your pipes. Bad smells, along with pronounced bulges and warping or white frost are a definite sign of frozen pipes.
Proper insulation is the best way to prevent vulnerable pipes from freezing during the winter. Other small steps, such as letting faucets flow during cold weather and keeping cabinet doors open to maintain warm air flow, can make a big difference!
Sump Pumps
Similar to pipes, sump pumps are especially vulnerable when winter transitions into spring. An excess of water from melting snow and ice can overload the sump pump, causing costly backups and failures. When extreme cold strikes, the outdoor discharge pipe of the sump pump can freeze, causing the system to run continuously until burnout. April showers are bad enough, especially when they’re inside your home!
How do you identify and prevent winter sump pump issues? If your sump pump runs nonstop or cycles more frequently than usual during cold weather, it may be struggling to discharge water due to a frozen or partially blocked discharge line. If your basement flooring or carpet is damp, there is likely an immediate sump pump issue.
It’s important to test and inspect your home’s sump pump before the winter. Key components, such as the float switch, battery and discharge system should be functioning properly before temperatures drop.
Water Heaters
The colder the weather, the more strain on your water heater. Your system can be stretched to its limits in the wintertime, leading to inconsistent water temperatures and rising bills. Aging tanks can see accelerated corrosion during these times, which can lead to water discoloration and contamination.
How do you identify and prevent winter water heater issues? If you notice that water temperatures are inconsistent, check your water heater for leaks and surface moisture on or near the unit. If you have a gas unit, check to see if your pilot light has gone out. Listen to the unit; are cycles short and inconsistent? If yes, it may be time to call a professional for an inspection.
It’s highly recommended to schedule an annual inspection for your water heater to avoid issues and get ahead of repairs. Water heaters typically should be replaced every 8-12 years to maintain safety and comfort for your home.
FloTek is your winter plumbing partner!
If you notice any of these warning signs during cold weather, it’s best to contact a professional plumber immediately. Addressing issues early can prevent frozen pipes, water damage, and emergency repairs when temperatures drop. When failures happen, FloTek’s emergency team can help when you need it most.
